Skaggs CEO Stephen Erixon resigns

Stephen M. Erixon, chief executive officer of Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Branson, has resigned effective immediately.

Skaggs Board of Directors Chairman Dennis Newkirk announced Erixon's resignation earlier today. Michelle Leroux, Skaggs media relations specialist, said the hospital would not comment on his reasons for leaving.

Erixon joined Skaggs in July 2006 from Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark., where he was president and CEO.

Skaggs recently unveiled its new name - formerly Skaggs Community Health Center - to reflect its growing service area and expansion of services during Erixon's tenure. His resignation also comes less than three months after the hospital cut 11 full-time positions and reduced salaries by 10 percent for administrators, including Erixon.

Newkirk said the board has asked longtime board member Bob Simmons, owner of Table Rock Asphalt, to assume CEO responsibilities until an interim leader is hired. He has served on the board since 1988.

"An executive search for a permanent CEO will begin soon," Newkirk said in a news release. "We look forward to this process and know that finding the right candidate will allow Skaggs Regional Medical Center to continue to grow and prosper well into the future."